The Greenbacks went into this week’s State Tournament having qualified all 5 of the seniors that were on the team and one freshman, Dylan Pelland. All of the boys did their best and the Greenbacks almost equaled last year’s team finish, which was the best in 40 years. Staying on the 40-year record breaking track, the Greenbacks accomplished another 1st--the 1st pair of State finalists since 1973! The accomplishment is very noteworthy and the best part about it is that the two finalists are practice partners and seniors. Finishing in 8th place, only one-half point behind Andale in 7th, the Greenbacks travelled home with the pride of another strong team finish alongside a 2nd State Championship for Cesar Regalado and a State Runner-Up medal for Trae’ Foreman. Greenback Nation has a lot to be proud of, a legacy has been left and the bar of tradition has been set high for the Greenbacks returning next year to do it again! 106 Dylan Pelland, fr., approached State like a veteran wrestler. Dylan establishes almost every match with a solid takedown and State was no different. Dylan battled Tate Withington of Goodland to a very hard fought 11-5 loss. Dylan followed up his loss with a convincing fall over Jameson Lutz of Holton. Dylan’s last match was against Emmanuel Browne of Sumner Academy, the eventual 3rd place finisher, and Dylan gave him everything he had in a valiant effort to end his season. Dylan will be a State qualifier plus one next year and our little guys will still be a lot for opposing teams to deal with week to week, even with Cesar and Trae’ graduating. Dylan will start us off again next year on his journey to a State placement. Season Record 9-5 152 Brendan Pribil, sr., started off the State tournament with a 6-2 loss against Thomas Rickley of Clay Center. The match was closer than the score appears as Brendan just missed on scoring opportunities secured, but out of bounds. Brendan came storming back with a major decision over Chris Ferguson of Burlington 9-0. Brendan continued on his path with a win by fall over John Hopper of Basehor Linwood. Each of the former opponents had over 30 wins on the year! Brendan’s last match came against Scott Whitson of Buhler, 25-4 on the year, in the round that determines who will place in the top 6. Brendan fought tooth and nail with the eventual 4th place finisher, losing in a 9-6 decision. Had the draw come up just a bit different, Brendan would have been a placer. What a great season for Brendan! Season Record: 27-12 160 Taylor White, sr, entered after a 4th place Regional finish, which pitted Taylor against the would-be State Champion, Taylor Watkins of Colombus. Taylor lost that match by a fall. In his 2nd matchup, Taylor met up with a strong Gabe Ware of Clay Center, Taylor lost his 2nd match by a decision to end his year. Taylor has done so many things for the Greenbacks over the years, bumping up in weigh to help us win duals and just being technically sound and all-in-all, a great teammate. The Greenback fans appreciate Taylor’s efforts over the years. 182 Cooper Crump, sr., came in to the State Tournament with a head of steam, and in his 1st match, it looked like Cooper was going to start where he left off, but he couldn’t get his hips adjusted and got caught under his opponent, losing by fall. Cooper started his 2nd match with a good attitude, but did not get a chance to work his arsenal and lost by a tech fall to end his season to Lee Koch of Anderson County. Koch finished 5th in the 182 bracket. Cooper gave up over 20 lbs to help his team in the team race and we are all very proud of his effort! Season Record: 8-6 113 Trae Foreman, sr., began his 1st day at State with a winning effort against Nick Arzolla of KC Piper 9-5. Trae’ followed his 1st round win with an impressive victory over Colby Regional Champion, Hunter Kiser of Abilene in an 18-6 decision! The 1st day of State, finalists are determined, so Trae’ approached his semifinal the way he has approached his practice partner for 3 years, with focus and determination. Trae’ kept us on the edge of our seats, tying the match as time ran out, following that up with a quick takedown in sudden victory overtime to win his spot in the finals! Trae’ began his final match with a beautiful takedown. He battled tough, but in the waning seconds of the match, Trae’, a two-time State placer (5th, 2nd) lost by fall to the undefeated, Josiah Seaton (39-0) of Bonner Springs to end his season with an impressive State Runner-Up medal! Season Record: 28-6 120 Cesar Regalado, sr., began his State Tournament with a technical fall victory over Prairie View’s Tre Kline. Cesar continued on his path to the championship with a workmanlike 5-1 victory over Tyler Price of Holton. Cesar was left with 2 more matches to reach his goal of a repeat championship. Cesar poured on the heat and defeated Tucker Schreiner of Jeff West by a 7-1 decision. Next up was the 3rd matchup of the year for Cesar with Mulvane’s Anthony Scantlin. Cesar had beaten Anthony in their two prior matchups. Scantlin is a tough matchup for Cesar and the match was scoreless deep into the 3rd period where Scantlin scored an escape and Cesar stalked his opponent to the edge of the mat where he finished with a beautiful takedown in the last part of the 3rd period. Cesar rode his opponent out and took his 2nd championship with a 2-1 decision over Scantlin. Cesar is a 3-time State placer (3rd, 1st, 1st) and only the 2nd wrestler in Pratt history to win 2 State Titles! Assistant Coach, Beau Tillman, won 3 in his time and that is no easy feat! Cesar also finished this year as an undefeated State Champion, which is never, ever an easy accomplishment! Season Record: 28-0 In the last 5 years, the Greenbacks have had 12 State Placers, of those 12, 3 were State Champions, with 1 runner-up, and the team has 2-top 10 finishes. Greenback wrestlers are on the right path and look forward to the next season, while bidding adieu to our beloved, talented senior wrestlers.